Welcome to Banjar Valley, the Valley of Tranquility Historically, the area plays an important role in the birth of Lord Rama (the most famous incarnation of God). According to the legends associated with Ramayana ‘Kal’, it was a privilege of Rishi Shringi, from the Banjar valley, who’s Ashram was at Chehni, to act as Purohit (sage) at the ‘Putreshtiyajna’ of Raja Dashratha during the age of Satyug (The Golden age). As a result of the actions and prayers by the Rishi, God Rama was born. Throughout the ages, particularly during Satyug, it is believed that many Rishi’s (sage’s) and Nag Devta’s came to Banjar Valley to meditate because of its peace and serenity. As word spread of the beauty and tranquility of the region, people from far away places (Kullu, Manali, Mandi etc.) began to visit the valley. They brought with them, their goats and sheep to graze. Slowly, as people realized the valley could offer them all that they needed, they began to settle in the area. During the initial period when people began to populate the region, the rulers were the ‘Maraich’ people, who were reputed to be over 3 meters in height. Later, the region came under the control of the Thakur’s (an Indian feudal and colonial title in Hindi), and then under the rule of the King of Kullu. With the various changes in leadership, the administrative center for the region has shifted over the ages. At first, the tehsil headquarters were located in Palach, and then shifted to Banjar. During the rule of the King of Kullu, Chehni was his summer capital. Finally, under the British rule, the area was first made easily accessible with the construction of State Highway 11 (in 1916-1917).The Banjar Valley begins at the junction, National Highway 21 and State Highway 11, in the town of Aut, and ends at Jalori Pass. State Highway 11 follows the valley from Aut, and then continues beyond Jalori Pass towards Narkanda, Shimla and Kinnar Kailash, thereby connecting the Sainj and Tirthan Valley with BanjarValley. Information contributed by Mr. B. S. Rana - an expert from the area, a licensed Travel Guide, devoted to trekking in the local region extensively for the past 13 years. Generally in love with mountains, he has also explored the European Alps and has a vast knowledge of native plants as well as local history and customs.
Chehni Fort at Chehni village is approximately 1500 years old (as per many stories) and offers breathtaking views of the mountain-valley around. The Fort rises up to 11 levels high into the air and one should be very careful while climbing up (Not Recommended), as it not safe. The fort also has a 400 meter tunnel (now closed) and a Krishna Temple (Raghunath Ji ) on one of the upper storeys. The Shringi Rishi Temple at Bagi, which has a large statue of Rishi Shringi and intricate wood carvings depicting 24 different births of God. (Rama, Krishna, Narsimhan, Barah, etc.) Bala Temple Historically important Bala Temple of Markanday Rishi and Durga Mata Please Note that it is considered disrespectful for visitors to any temples, not to remove their shoes, before entering. Kindly show respect by simply leaving your shoes at the door. Tirthan Valley 1 km before Banjar enroute to Aut, the valley is marked by the Tirthan River. Villages of interest in the area are Gushaini and Bathad ,which is about 10km and 20km respectively from Banjar. The Tirthan valley is an adventurer's paradise and is known for excellent trout fishing. It is also famous for being nearest to the Great Himalayan National Park ( 8km trek from Gushaini) . The National Park has brown bear, mountain lions, ghorar, jungle goat and musk deer etc. There are many treks that are possible in the area, with the main one being Bathad to Bashleo Pass and Sarahan. Sainj Valley This valley starts about 3kms from Aut, on the way to Larji. The village Sainj, situated on the banks of river Sainj, 14km from Larji. Beyond Sainj there is a village of Shanghar. This place has splendid areas for camping and experiencing the glory of nature. The last village in the Sainj Valley is Shakti - Maraur. Here you will find a awe-inspiring lake with red colored water. You can see the glaciers from this place as they are relatively close to the lake. Gada Gushaini The astounding beauty of Gada Gushaini will remind you of Sonmarg in Kashmir. There are many temples and forts including Bahu, Baloo, Tungasi, Dibber and Dalnu. The road to Gada Gushaini village breaks off from State Highway 11 just after Jaipur- Jibhi.
Jalori Pass Located at about 3300 meters, Jalori Pass is a delightful place to visit, with wonderful views and provides access to the outer Seraj region. Jalori is home to Kali temple and the starting point for a exquisite 1 + day trek to Sareul Lake. The area is surrounded by dense forest and fields of wildflowers. Saruel or Serolsar Lake is a small lake (or a large pond) located at a height of about 3350 meters. The area is extremely beautiful. It is also a sacred spot for worshipping the Goddess 'Budhi Nagin'. Folklore says Budhi Nagin is the Goddess of ghee (clarified butter), and pilgrims come to Sareul to pray for good quality ghee in the coming year. There are good camping grounds in the area. Additionally, Swimming is also possible. Raghupur Fort This picturesque site, located at approx 3340meters, used to be a fort( ruins tell their story) built by the King of Kullu. The fort is surrounded by wide trenches, and there is a small pond inside. The walls of the fort are marked by bullet holes from sieges. The area has good camping grounds with a fantastic view of the outer Seraj valley. Another feature of Raghupur fort is its marvelous meadows, which welcome you with snow capped peaks and offers varios ski points in the winter season. Sakiran Dhar (Ridge) The Sakiran (Dhar) ridge leading to Lambhari offers beautiful views of the Himalayan range. At Sakiran there is an old Shringa Rishi Temple(Shrignga Rishi has many followers in the villagers). The area offers good camping in the fields or in many caves. There are also wild fruits available during the summer months.
Lambhari -At 3475meters Offers the best view of the Himalayas along with the beautiful views of the Himalayan range around. The peak offers two distinct faces, one of which, will make you think that you are walking on the moon. This is an excellent area for camping in the solitude of nature. Additionally, there is an abundance of effective Ayurvedic/Naturopathic medicines to be found growing in the area including Kauri, Patish, Losar, Talshi, Chunkhari, Tangul and Dhupnu. The area has crystal caves and is full of wild animals and birds.